Turkish Cypriots Head To Presidential Polls Sunday

Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will head to polls Sunday to elect their new president.



Turkish Cypriots will exercise their voting rights in the country's seventh presidential election, in which seven candidates, including five independents are in the run.



Among the seven candidates is current President Dervis Eroglu, who is supported by the National Unity Party and Democratic Party-National Forces.



Independent Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay, Republican Turkish Party-United Forces candidate and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Speaker Sibel Siber, Cyprus Socialist party candidate Mustafa Onurer and independent candidates, Mustafa Ulas, Mustafa Akinci and Arif Salih Kirdag are the other contenders.



Voting will begin Sunday at 8 a.m., local time and close at 6 p.m., local time.



At least 176,912 voters are expected to cast their votes in 693 ballots throughout the country. Around 55,763 voters will cast their votes in Lefkosa, 45,992 in Famagusta, 35,397 in Kyrenia, 20,809 in Guzelyurt and 18,951 voters in Iskele districts.



Three trained attendants and observers from political parties will stand by each ballot in the country. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Supreme Election Board and local election boards will also be at work throughout election day.



Election campaigning activities will end Saturday at 6 p.m., local time.



In accordance with the law, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited till the close of polls; public entertainment places will also remain closed.



To become president, a candidate needs to gain more than 50 percent of the votes. If none of the candidates reach this percentage of votes, a second round of election will be held between the two candidates that gained the most votes on April 26.



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